Friday, December 29, 2017

It was as cold as Paul Ryan's heart outside, but over at Jazz St. Louis it was positively smokin' as Lea DeLaria brought her David Bowie show (based on her 2015 CD House of David) to the stage. With a killer five-piece band and a special guest appearance by Manhattan Transfer founder Janis Siegel, this was a show guaranteed to nuke any holiday blues.

And without a single Christmas song!

Although she's probably best known for her role as Carrie "Big Boo" Black on the Netflix series Orange is the New Black, Ms. DeLaria has had an impressive career in stand-up comedy, theatre, and music for many years now. With five jazz albums to her credit, she's a powerful vocalist with a great ear and an unfailingly accurate feel for what makes both musical and theatrical sense.

Her show for Jazz St. Louis got off to a rousing start with a high-energy version of David Bowie's "Boys Keep Swinging" (from Bowie's 1979 Lodger album) and just went from strength to strength after that. I've never been a huge Bowie fan myself, but I came away from this show impressed with how much room his relatively simple songs leave for improvisation.

A case in point was DeLaria and company's version of the 1969 hit "Space Oddity." About half way through the original there's a short instrumental break that takes up maybe eight bars before the vocal picks up again. Wednesday night, that little break was turned into an elaborate, free-wheeling solo by keyboardist Helen Sung that helped turn Bowie's five-minute song into something of an epic.

Something very similar happened in their take on Bowie's cinematically dystopian "Life on Mars?," in which the hallucinatory lyrics of civilization in decline were paired with high-flying vocals and flashy instrumental solos. That would have been worth the price of admission all by itself.

David Bowie

But wait, as they say on TV, there's more! Jazz veteran Janis Siegel came onstage about half way through for a lyrical "Cherry Tree" by Grammy-winning composer, arranger, and pianist Alan Broadbent, followed by a kick-ass duet version of Harold Arlen's "Ding Dong, the Witch is Dead" aimed at That Guy in the Oval Office. Siegel and DeLaria expertly traded licks with each other and with guitarist and music director Sheryl Bailey in a way that overflowed with good humor and showed off their rapport with both each other and the band.

There were other great moments in the evening as well, including solid solo work from Roxy Coss on sax and Sylvia Cuenca on drums. And I really loved that insistent bass solo by Endea Owens that opened "Let's Dance."

The bottom line is that this is an entertaining and inventive night with a lot of terrific singing and playing. Ms. DeLaria herself is engaging and funny as hell as long as you're not put off by the f-bomb being dropped liberally. But then, if you are, you probably wouldn't be considering this show anyway.

LeaDelaria's Bowie tribute played at Jazz St. Louis's Ferring Bistro on Washington in Grand Center Wednesday and Thursday, December 27 and 18, 2017. It was a co-presentation with The Cabaret Project STL (where, to be fair, I'm a board member).

Thursday, December 28, 2017

As always, the choices are purely my personal opinion. Take with a grain (or a shaker) of salt.

Share on Google+:

New This Week:The Cabaret Project and The Improv Shop present The Blue Velvet Lounge Saturday, December 30, at 8 pm. There are also performances on January 13 and 27, and February 10 and 24. "The Cabaret Project teams up with The Improv Shop to co-present their dynamic, fully improvised theater piece featuring live jazz standards - direct from the mythical Blue Velvet Lounge. Each performance features eight smart, funny improvisers who create the stories and sagas of the patrons of the Blue Velvet Lounge - on the spot. Surrounded by live jazz vocal standards, this character driven story is a different show each night it's performed. The Blue Velvet Lounge is a perfect evening out for lovers of cabaret and comedy. Food and drink available at the Improv Shop." The performance takes place at The Improv Shop, 3960 Chouteau in The Grove. For more information: thecabaretproject.org.

My take: Cabaret shows are carefully planned, but so is a good improv show. Improvisation works best when there's some sort of structure to build on. So combining the two makes more sense than you might think, especially when the singer at the center of it all is local cabaret pro Tim Schall.

Lea DeLaria

Jazz St. Louis and The Cabaret Project present Lea DeLaria with special guest Janis Seigal of Manhattan Transer in Delaria + Bowie = Jazz on Wednesday and Thursday, December 27 and 28, at 7:30 p.m. "Lea DeLaria seems to have achieved overnight stardom with her two time, SAG Award winning, stand-out role as Carrie 'Big Boo' Black in the Netflix hit series Orange is the New Black. However, DeLaria's multi-faceted career as a comedian, actress, and jazz musician has, in fact, spanned decades. DeLaria was the featured vocalist at the 50th Anniversary of the Newport Jazz Festival, and has performed in some of the most prestigious houses in the world including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Chicago Symphony, Hollywood Bowl, The Royal Albert Hall and the Sydney Opera House. " Performances take place at the Ferring Jazz Bistro on Washington just east of the Fox in Grand Center. For more information: jazzstl.org.

My take: It may be cold as Paul Ryan's heart outside, but over at Jazz St. Louis it's positively smokin' as Lea DeLaria brings her David Bowie show (based on her CD House of David) to the stage. With a killer five-piece band and a special guest appearance by Manhattan Transfer founder Janis Siegel, this is a show guaranteed to kill any holiday blues. And the positively Wagnerian take on Bowie's cinematically dystopian "Life on Mars?" is worth the price of admission all by itself. The bistro boasts a short but interesting-looking menu, so you might want to seriously consider ordering dinner and making a night of it. The show is a co-presentation with The Cabaret Project (where, to be fair, I'm a board member).

Conductor Nicholas Buc

Nicholas Buc conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra in Dreamworks in Concert on Friday and Saturday at 7 pm, December 29 and 30. "Relive the moments from Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon and more as they are projected on the big screen while the STL Symphony plays the magical music live. An experience for the entire family, join us to celebrate more than 20 years of inspired animation and iconic music scores by Hans Zimmer, Harry Gregson-Williams, John Powell, Alexandre Desplat, Alan Silvestri, Danny Elfman and many more!" The concerts take place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

My take: DreamWorks Animation is the animated film division of DreamWorks Studios, which was originally founded in 1994 by Steven Spielberg along with former Disney executive Jeffrey Katzenberg and recording industry mogul David Geffen. The DreamWorks Animation division of has been in the forefront of the digital animation revolution for nearly two decades now, with hits like Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, and Puss in Boots, to name only a few. The company has engaged some of Hollywood's leading composers to write scores for its hit films. This isn't a theatre event as such, but I'm adding it to the list anyway because in my experience these SLSO live film events are always great fun for the whole family. Which seems very appropriate for the holiday season.

Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates

Metro Theatre Company presents Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates through December 29. In this timeless story, Hans and Gretel Brinker strive to provide for their family and prove their own worth by entering a local speedskating contest - first prize is a pair of gleaming silver skates! The play culminates with a spectacular St. Nicholas Day race on the stage of The Grandel Theatre stage. Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates celebrates generosity, helping others and is an exhilarating tale of courage and determination." Performances take place at the Grandel Theatre, 3610 Grandel Square in Grand Center. For more information: metroplays.org.

My take: If you're looking for a theatre events for the whole family, this is worth serious consideration. Metro has been producing family-friendly theatre isn't just kid stuff for many years now, and while this show is oriented more towards the kids than some past efforts, reviews indicate that it's done with a real polish that should appeal to adults as well. "Artistic director Julia Flood takes advantage of the spacious Grandel stage as the show’s director," writes Mark Bretz at Ladue News, "keeping her cast gliding around on their imaginary skates throughout the course of the play’s one act...It’s a treat for kids and also an education for them to take a glance at life 200 years ago, showing them how essential decency and dreams haven’t changed all that much across the centuries."

Held Over:

Souvenir
Photo: John Lamb

Max and Louie Productions presents Souvenir: A Fantasia on the Life of Florence Foster Jenkins through December 31. "Dubbed by her critics as the "Dire Diva of Din", passionate music lover and wealthy socialite, Florence Foster Jenkins enjoyed a remarkably successful concert career even though she was unburdened by talent and deliriously tone deaf.Her story is told through the eyes of her pianist, Cosme McMoon. A truly talented musician, he regards her at first as a little more then an easy way to pay the rent, but his initial contempt gives way to reluctant admiration, then friendship and a unique kind of love." Performances take place at the Marcelle Theatre, 3310 Samuel Shepard Dr. in Grand Center. For more information, visit maxandlouie.com.

My take: As I write in my review, the Christmas season is many things to many people, but to me it has always been a time to celebrate love and friendship. That's why I think this just might be the perfect holiday show. Debby Lennon is ideal as the legendary society matron soprano with the tin ear and Paul Cereghino is the impeccable foil as her accompanist and friend Cosme McMoon. Their story, in Mr. Temperley's telling, is a tribute to the power of love and friendship. It's funny, ultimately touching, and brilliantly done under Sydnie Grosberg Ronga's expert direction. Adding to the polish are Teresa Doggett's stunning costumes and Dunsi Dai's elegant set, enhanced greatly by Patrick Huber's lighting and digital projections.

Saturday, December 23, 2017

The week between Christmas and New Year's Eve is often a quiet one in Lake Woebegon, but the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra has a couple of big events coming up for the final weekend of 2017 nevertheless.

Friday and Saturday, December 29 and 30, 7 pm: DreamWorks Animation in Concert -- DreamWorks Animation is the animated film division of DreamWorks Studios, which was originally founded in 1994 by Steven Spielberg along with former Disney executive Jeffrey Katzenberg and recording industry mogul David Geffen. The DreamWorks Animation division of has been in the forefront of the digital animation revolution for nearly two decades now, with hits like Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, and Puss in Boots, to name only a few.
The company has been very shrewd about producing animated movies that appeal to both kids and adults, with plenty of fast, colorful 3-D action mixed with sophisticated humor and sly parodies of pop culture. It has also engaged some of Hollywood's leading composers to write scores for its hit films.

DreamWorks Animation in Concert features music by, among others, Alexandre Desplat, Danny Elfman, Alan Silvestri, and Hans Zimmer. The concert features music from Mr. Peabody and Sherman, How to Train Your Dragon, Rise of the Guardians, Monsters vs. Aliens, and many other DreamWorks hits, with clips from the movies on the big screen to accompany the music. It's a kind of big, post-Christmas gift box for lovers of animation and film music.

Conducting the orchestra is composer and multi-instrumentalist Nicholas Buc. A graduate of New York University and a recipient of the Elmer Bernstein award for film scoring, Mr. Buc written for film and TV world-wide and has conducted a number of "in concert" film programs, including Pixar in Concert, Raiders of the Lost Arc, and Back to the Future.

David Robertson

Sunday, December 31, 7:30 pm: BMO Private Bank New Year's Eve Celebration - David Robertson conducts the orchestra for the last time as SLSO Music Director in the annual New Year's Eve gala. The SLSO web site promises "an enchanting evening full of magical music and unforgettable surprises." And by "surprises" they mean "the concert program" because that is, in fact, a secret that won't be revealed until the music starts.

Still, we can make educated guesses based on previous years. Expect lots of good humor, both from the music and from Mr. Robertson, who can be a very funny guy when he gets his hands on a microphone. In 2012, for example, the orchestra did Morton Gould's "Tap Dance Concerto" and featured some good-natured sing-alongs with the audience. Dance music has, in fact, been a major part of the New Year's concerts. And waltzes are always associated with New Year's Eve in any case.

The concert is immensely popular and is, in fact, sold out as this is being written. But don't despair! In 2015 St. Louis Public Radio began broadcasting the concert live and will do so again this year, starting with pre-concert conversations at 7 pm.

The Cabaret Project and The Improv Shop present The Blue Velvet Lounge Saturday, December 30, at 8 pm. There are also performances on January 13 and 27, and February 10 and 24. "The Cabaret Project teams up with The Improv Shop to co-present their dynamic, fully improvised theater piece featuring live jazz standards - direct from the mythical Blue Velvet Lounge. Each performance features eight smart, funny improvisers who create the stories and sagas of the patrons of the Blue Velvet Lounge - on the spot. Surrounded by live jazz vocal standards, this character driven story is a different show each night it's performed. The Blue Velvet Lounge is a perfect evening out for lovers of cabaret and comedy. Food and drink available at the Improv Shop." The performance takes place at The Improv Shop, 3960 Chouteau in The Grove. For more information: thecabaretproject.org.

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents The Christmas Killer through December 31. " Welcome to the party sponsored by Chatty Cathy, (and the "Misfit Toys"). We certainly hope that you can find a good home for one of our toys! Of course, it'll be a fun party as long as the wrong element doesn't show up! We're talking about Ricky Stitch, of course. Gee! I hope nothing bad happens to him! Anyway, you'll meet lots of characters tonight. In fact, you'll be a character too! Whether you'd like to participate a lot, or just a little, we promise you great holiday fun when you attend 'The Christmas Killer!'" The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com.

Cinderella

The Fox Theatre presents the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical Cinderella openng on Wednesday, December 27, with performances at 1 and 7:30 pm and running through December 31. "Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella is the Tony Award®- winning Broadway musical from the creators of The Sound of Music and South Pacific that's delighting audiences with its contemporary take on the classic tale. This lush production features an incredible orchestra, jaw-dropping transformations and all the moments you love-the pumpkin, the glass slipper, the masked ball and more-plus some surprising new twists! Be transported back to your childhood as you rediscover some of Rodgers + Hammerstein's most beloved songs, including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It's Possible” and “Ten Minutes Ago,” in this hilarious and romantic Broadway experience for anyone who's ever had a wish, a dream... or a really great pair of shoes." The Fox is at 527 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

Lea DeLaria

Jazz St. Louis and The Cabaret Project present Lea DeLaria with special guest Janis Seigal of Manhattan Transer in Delaria + Bowie = Jazz on Wednesday and Thursday, December 27 and 28, at 7:30 p.m. "Lea DeLaria seems to have achieved overnight stardom with her two time, SAG Award winning, stand-out role as Carrie 'Big Boo' Black in the Netflix hit series Orange is the New Black. However, DeLaria's multi-faceted career as a comedian, actress, and jazz musician has, in fact, spanned decades. DeLaria was the featured vocalist at the 50th Anniversary of the Newport Jazz Festival, and has performed in some of the most prestigious houses in the world including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Chicago Symphony, Hollywood Bowl, The Royal Albert Hall and the Sydney Opera House. " Performances take place at the Ferring Jazz Bistro on Washington just east of the Fox in Grand Center. For more information: jazzstl.org.

Peabody Opera House presents Elf: The Musical Tuesday through Thursday, December 26 - 28, at 7:30 pm. "Elf The Musical is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy's enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa's permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. This modern day Christmas classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner ELF." The Peabody Opera House is at 14th and Market, downtown. For more information: peabodyoperahouse.com.

Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates

Metro Theatre Company presents Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates through December 29. In this timeless story, Hans and Gretel Brinker strive to provide for their family and prove their own worth by entering a local speedskating contest - first prize is a pair of gleaming silver skates! The play culminates with a spectacular St. Nicholas Day race on the stage of The Grandel Theatre stage. Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates celebrates generosity, helping others and is an exhilarating tale of courage and determination." Performances take place at the Grandel Theatre, 3610 Grandel Square in Grand Center. For more information: metroplays.org.

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents Murder on 34th Street through December 31. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com.

The Playhouse at Westport Plaza presents Oddville, a Love Story? Wednesday through Saturday, December 27 - 30. " Dave Shirley and Robert Dubac have teamed up to create the hilarious new comedy, Oddville: A Love Story? Think Blue Man Group meets The Forty-Year-Old Virgin! Hysterically indescribable, Oddville is a unique piece of brilliant theatre jammed with ingenious props, amplified physical comedy, complex multi-media imagery and a cool nostalgic score. It is a love story with limited words, but a big heart that connects your imagination to your funny bone with fits of laughter." The Playhouse at Westport Plaza is at 635 West Port Plaza. For more information: playhouseatwestport.com.

Photo by John Lamb

Max and Louie Productions presents Souvenir: A Fantasia on the Life of Florence Foster Jenkins through December 31. "Dubbed by her critics as the "Dire Diva of Din", passionate music lover and wealthy socialite, Florence Foster Jenkins enjoyed a remarkably successful concert career even though she was unburdened by talent and deliriously tone deaf. Her story is told through the eyes of her pianist, Cosme McMoon. A truly talented musician, he regards her at first as a little more then an easy way to pay the rent, but his initial contempt gives way to reluctant admiration, then friendship and a unique kind of love." Performances take place at the Marcelle Theatre, 3310 Samuel Shepard Dr. in Grand Center. For more information, visit maxandlouie.com.

Looking for auditions and other artistic opportunities? Check out the St. Louis Auditions site.

For information on events beyond this week, check out the searchable database at the Regional Arts Commission's Events Calendar.

Would you like to be on the radio? KDHX, 88.1 FM needs theatre reviewers. If you're 18 years or older, knowledgeable in this area, have practical theatre experience (acting, directing, writing, technical design, etc.), have good oral and written communications skills and would like to become one of our volunteer reviewers, send an email describing your experience and interests to chuck at kdhx.org. Please include a sample review of something you've seen recently.

Celluloid Western star Dale Evans Rogers is quoted as saying that Christmas "is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it's Christmas.”

I don't know whether that quote is apocryphal or not, but "love in action" certainly seems like a great way to describe an appearance by members of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra at the St. Louis County Detention Center on December 8th.

According to the press release that appeared in my in box yesterday from the symphony's Stores from Backstage project, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra IN UNISON Artist in Residence Brian Owens, along with a quartet of SLSO string players, performed "hopeful music" for an audience of around 30 accused teen detainees at the center's Family Court.

"Hope is something that we really can thrive on,” Owens said. “It’s something that can give us meaning and purpose.”

Mr. Owens will probably be familiar to local music lovers from his appearance at the SLSO's annual Gospel Christmas concert on December 14th, as well as from his many performances at local concert venues and even on the cabaret scene.

Janet Johnson, St. Louis County Detention Center Program Specialist, said she believes the performance will “inspire” the teens.

“I think that this will open their eyes to things that they weren’t able to see before,” Johnson said. “It could change their future.”

The performance was part of the SLSO SymphonyCares program. It’s the same program that shared music with adult offenders at Missouri Eastern Correctional Center last year.

In Matthew 25:31- 46, Christ is quoted as listing the many things that will get one a seat at the right hand of the Father come judgment day. It ends (in the World English Bible translation): "I was in prison, and you came to me." If that concert on December 8th isn't in the Christmas spirit, I don't know what is.

Thursday, December 21, 2017

As always, the choices are purely my personal opinion. Take with a grain (or a shaker) of salt.

Share on Google+:

New This Week:

Your festive MC

The Cabaret Project and The Curtain Call Lounge at the Fox present the Broadway Open Mic Night Holiday Special on Thursday, December 21, from 7 to 10 p.m. Drop by and enjoy a night of great music from St. Louis cabaret artists, backed up by this month's special guest pianist and music director Ron McGowan. If you're planning to sing, be prepared to do one or two songs and bring music, preferably in your key. It's also recommend that you have your song memorized. Holiday songs are not required but strongly encouraged. The Curtain Call Lounge is next door to the Fabulous Fox in Grand Center. For more information: thecabaretproject.org.

My take: Well, yes, I'm the master of ceremonies, so I don't claim to be objective here. But the open mic is always a good time and at the holiday version there's even a Christmas carol sing-along. Come on down, have a glass of bubbly, and celebrate the season with us.

The Stage at KDHX presents singer Dom Thomas in Here to Entertain on Saturday, December 23, at 8 pm. "This show will feature Stand up Comedy, original music by Dom Thomas, Tributes to Legends such as Chuck Berry, and Holiday tunes to put any Grinch in the holiday spirit. Featuring an 8 piece band, this show is sure to be a blast and packed full with surprises." The performance takes place at The Stage at KDHX, 3524 Washington in Grand Center. For more information: ticketfly.com

My take: I first saw Mr. Thomas shortly after he arrived in St. Louis three years ago at The Cabaret Project open mic night. He impressed me (and everyone else who has seen him) with his smooth, charming song delivery, with its echoes of the great Nat "King" Cole and other classic crooners. And The Stage at KDHX is a first-rate venue, with state of the art lights and sound and a well-stocked bar.

Souvenir
Photo: John Lamb

Max and Louie Productions presents Souvenir: A Fantasia on the Life of Florence Foster Jenkins through December 31. "Dubbed by her critics as the "Dire Diva of Din", passionate music lover and wealthy socialite, Florence Foster Jenkins enjoyed a remarkably successful concert career even though she was unburdened by talent and deliriously tone deaf.Her story is told through the eyes of her pianist, Cosme McMoon. A truly talented musician, he regards her at first as a little more then an easy way to pay the rent, but his initial contempt gives way to reluctant admiration, then friendship and a unique kind of love." Performances take place at the Marcelle Theatre, 3310 Samuel Shepard Dr. in Grand Center. For more information, visit maxandlouie.com.

My take: As I write in my review, the Christmas season is many things to many people, but to me it has always been a time to celebrate love and friendship. That's why I think this just might be the perfect holiday show. Debby Lennon is ideal as the legendary society matron soprano with the tin ear and Paul Cereghino is the impeccable foil as her accompanist and friend Cosme McMoon. Their story, in Mr. Temperley's telling, is a tribute to the power of love and friendship. It's funny, ultimately touching, and brilliantly done under Sydnie Grosberg Ronga's expert direction. Adding to the polish are Teresa Doggett's stunning costumes and Dunsi Dai's elegant set, enhanced greatly by Patrick Huber's lighting and digital projections.

Held Over:

Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberly
Photo: Jerry Naunheim, Jr.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberly through December 24. "In this winning and witty sequel to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, the bookish middle child of the Bennet family finally has her day. Constantly overshadowed by her four sisters, Mary Bennet finds hope for a new life beyond her family from an unexpected holiday romance. Austen fans and first-timers alike will find much to love in this alluring comedic tale." Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information: repstl.org.

My take: Looking for a family friendly Christmas theatre treat that isn't based on Charles Dickens or Jean Shepherd? Allow me to recommend most heartily. This ingenious play by Lauren Gunderson (Silent Sky) and Margot Melcon does for Pride and Prejudice what Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead did for Hamlet by taking a minor character and thrusting her into the spotlight so that her story can be told. It's a beautifully done tribute to the values that have been at the heart of this season's celebrations for thousands of years: family, friends, light, and love. Oh, yeah: it's also funny as hell. Don't miss it.

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

The Christmas season is many things to many people, but to me it has always been a time to celebrate love and friendship. That's why I think Max and Louie Productions' thoroughly wonderful presentation of Stephen Temperley's comedy Souvenir: A Fantasia on Florence Foster Jenkins just might be the perfect holiday show.

Debby Lennon is ideal as the legendary society matron soprano with the tin ear and Paul Cereghino is the impeccable foil as her accompanist and friend Cosme McMoon. Their story, in Mr. Temperley's telling, is a tribute to the power of love and friendship. It's funny, ultimately touching, and brilliantly done under Sydnie Grosberg Ronga's expert direction. Adding to the polish are Teresa Doggett's stunning costumes and Dunsi Dai's elegant set, enhanced greatly by Patrick Huber's lighting and digital projections.

You might be forgiven for not knowing who Florence Foster Jenkins was. A wealthy New York City patron of the arts, she achieved a kind of cult figure status in the 1920s, 30s, and 40s for her stunningly awful performances of art songs including, most (in)famously, the Queen of the Night's revenge aria from Mozart's The Magic Flute (which must be heard to be believed). She even recorded nine of them, all of which are now available on CD, iTunes and (of course) YouTube.

Photo by John Lamb

In short, she was the Ed Wood of classical music. Like a certain reality TV show star who has risen to national prominence recently, her self-confidence was inversely proportional to her actual ability. Unlike him, she was a kind and caring person who donated all the proceeds from her private concerts to charity and who inspired affection and loyalty in her friends and admirers.

The role of Ms. Jenkins is a challenging one, requiring a skilled actress who is also a strong singer with a good ear. Ms. Lennon is both of those. She sounds so much like Ms. Jenkins's recordings that it's sometimes eerie.

The part of Cosme McMoon offers a different set of challenges, since the actor not only carries the bulk of the story but also must sing and play the piano credibly. Mr. Cereghino is just the man for the job, instantly winning the audience's affection with his self-effacing humor and his easy confidence at the baby grand. They're a flawless team.

"An artist," observes McMoon early in the play, "finds his or her own true voice. Second-raters sound like everyone else. The real ones-when you hear them-there's no mistaking." Souvenir is a witty and wise tribute to someone who never sounded like anyone else, and if the final scene (which I refuse to spoil for you) doesn't break your heart, you don't have one to break. Performances continue through the end of the year at the Marcelle Theater in Grand Center.

Sunday, December 17, 2017

The Cabaret Project and The Curtain Call Lounge at the Fox present the Broadway Open Mic Night Holiday Special on Thursday, December 21, from 7 to 10 p.m. Drop by and enjoy a night of great music from St. Louis cabaret artists, backed up by this month's special guest pianist and music director Ron McGowan. If you're planning to sing, be prepared to do one or two songs and bring music, preferably in your key. It's also recommend that you have your song memorized. Holiday songs are not required but strongly encouraged. The Curtain Call Lounge is next door to the Fabulous Fox in Grand Center. For more information: thecabaretproject.org.

Next Generation Theatre Company presents the A Christmas Carol Friday at 7:30 and Saturday at 2 and 7:30 pm, December 22 and 23. Performances take place at the Florissant Civic Center Theatre at Parker and Waterford in Florissant, MO. For more information, call 314-921-5678 or visit www.nextgenerationtheatre.company.

The Lemp Mansion Comedy-Mystery Dinner Theater presents The Christmas Killer through December 31. " Welcome to the party sponsored by Chatty Cathy, (and the "Misfit Toys"). We certainly hope that you can find a good home for one of our toys! Of course, it'll be a fun party as long as the wrong element doesn't show up! We're talking about Ricky Stitch, of course. Gee! I hope nothing bad happens to him! Anyway, you'll meet lots of characters tonight. In fact, you'll be a character too! Whether you'd like to participate a lot, or just a little, we promise you great holiday fun when you attend 'The Christmas Killer!'" The Lemp Mansion is at 3322 DeMenil Place. For more information: lempmansion.com.

The St. Louis Writers' Group presents its End of Year Party and Monologue Competition on Monday, December 18, at 6:30 p.m. "Bring an original monologue, short skits, songs that are 90 seconds to five minutes long. Prepare to read it yourself or have an actor friend read it for you. The only very loose guideline is that your work should somehow be related to the winter/holiday season. There may be a prize for the winning monologue . . . or maybe not, but at least you'll have bragging rights." The event takes place upstairs at Big Daddy's, 1000 Sidney in Soulard. For more information: www.stlwritersgroup.com.

R-S Theatrics presents the drama The Flick Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 6:30 p.m. through December 23. "THE FLICK welcomes you to a rundown movie theatre in Worcester County, MA, where Sam, Avery and Rose are navigating lives as sticky as the soda under the seats. The movies on the big screen are no match for the tiny battles and not so tiny heartbreaks that play out in the empty aisles." Performances take place at the Kranzberg Black Box Theatre, 501 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: r-stheatrics.com.

Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates

Metro Theatre Company presents Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates through December 29. In this timeless story, Hans and Gretel Brinker strive to provide for their family and prove their own worth by entering a local speedskating contest - first prize is a pair of gleaming silver skates! The play culminates with a spectacular St. Nicholas Day race on the stage of The Grandel Theatre stage. Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates celebrates generosity, helping others and is an exhilarating tale of courage and determination." Performances take place at the Grandel Theatre, 3610 Grandel Square in Grand Center. For more information: metroplays.org.

The Stage at KDHX presents singer Dom Thomas in Here to Entertain on Saturday, December 23, at 8 pm. "This show will feature Stand up Comedy, original music by Dom Thomas, Tributes to Legends such as Chuck Berry, and Holiday tunes to put any grinch in the holiday spirit. Featuring an 8 piece band, this show is sure to be a blast and packed full with surprises." The performance takes place at The Stage at KDHX, 3524 Washington in Grand Center. For more information: ticketfly.com

Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberly
Photo: Jerry Naunheim, Jr.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberly through December 24. "In this winning and witty sequel to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, the bookish middle child of the Bennet family finally has her day. Constantly overshadowed by her four sisters, Mary Bennet finds hope for a new life beyond her family from an unexpected holiday romance. Austen fans and first-timers alike will find much to love in this alluring comedic tale." Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information: repstl.org.

The Bissell Mansion Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre presents Murder on 34th Street through December 31. The Bissell Mansion is at 4426 Randall Place. For more information: bissellmansiontheatre.com.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis's Imaginary Theatre Company presents the children's musical The Nutcracker, with music and lyrics by the late Neal Richardson, through December 23. "Marie is a little lonely after her family moves to a new town, but when her Godfather arrives with some mysterious Christmas Eve packages, she finds magic in very unlikely places. One of Godfather's gifts is a wooden nutcracker that appears to be nothing more than an ugly toy, but Marie soon discovers there may be more than meets the eye. The Nutcracker leads Marie on a magical adventure full of evil mice, dancing fairies and distant lands, showing her along the way that friends may not be so hard to find and that the magic of Christmas can last the whole year through." Performances take place in the Heagney Theatre at Nerinx Hall High School, 530 East Lockwood Avenue, Webster Groves. For more information: repstl.org.

Remnant
Photo: John Lamb

Mustard Seed Theatre presents the drama Remnant Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through December 23. There will be shows at 2 and 8 pm on Saturday, December 23. "In a desolate future, a family unwraps presents from the past. This was the first Mustard Seed production and we're excited to revisit it - the cast is 3 women and 2 men and it's set in a post-apocalyptic time when language has unraveled and customs like "Christmas" are mysterious and challenging." Performances take place at the Fontbonne Fine Arts Theatre, 6800 Wydown Blvd. For more information, call (314) 719-8060 or visit the web site at www.mustardseedtheatre.com.

Max and Louie Productions presents Souvenir: A Fantasia on the Life of Florence Foster Jenkins through December 31. "Dubbed by her critics as the "Dire Diva of Din", passionate music lover and wealthy socialite, Florence Foster Jenkins enjoyed a remarkably successful concert career even though she was unburdened by talent and deliriously tone deaf.Her story is told through the eyes of her pianist, Cosme McMoon. A truly talented musician, he regards her at first as a little more then an easy way to pay the rent, but his initial contempt gives way to reluctant admiration, then friendship and a unique kind of love." Performances take place at the Marcelle Theatre, 3310 Samuel Shepard Dr. in Grand Center. For more information, visit maxandlouie.com.

Looking for auditions and other artistic opportunities? Check out the St. Louis Auditions site.

For information on events beyond this week, check out the searchable database at the Regional Arts Commission's Events Calendar.

Would you like to be on the radio? KDHX, 88.1 FM needs theatre reviewers. If you're 18 years or older, knowledgeable in this area, have practical theatre experience (acting, directing, writing, technical design, etc.), have good oral and written communications skills and would like to become one of our volunteer reviewers, send an email describing your experience and interests to chuck at kdhx.org. Please include a sample review of something you've seen recently.

The Bach Society of St. Louis presents the annual Christmas Candlelight Concert on Tuesday, December 19, at 7:30 PM. "This year, the Bach Society Chorus and Orchestra will present Handel's Messiah along with favorite holiday carols, joined by the St. Louis Children's Choirs and soloists: Scott Kennebeck, Martha J. Hart and Sari Gruber." The performance takes place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: www.bachsociety.org.

David Robertson conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra in The Music of John Williams on Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 2:30 p.m., December 21 - 23. The program includes music from ET, Schindler's List, The Cowboys, Superman,Star Wars, and other classic film scores. The concerts take place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The Washington University Department of Music presents The 442s Holiday Spectacular with special guests Peter Martin, Christine Brewer, Erin Bode, Brian Owens, and Montez Coleman on Tuesday, December 19, at 7:30 pm. "Back by popular demand, The 442s are joined by some of the brightest stars of the local and national music scene in presenting a not-to-be-missed holiday spectacular. Performing traditional and original favorites that break down boundaries between jazz, soul, pop and classical music, this concert will get you in the perfect holiday spirit!" The concert takes place in the Lee Concert Hall at the 560 Music Center at 560 Trinity in University City. For more information, music.wustl.edu or call 314-935-5566.

What with one thing and another, I haven't been feeling much in the holiday spirit lately, a situation not helped by seeing people walking around in t-shirts a week before Christmas. If that's the New Normal, get me a time machine, please.

Friday night (December 15th, 2017), though, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra came to the rescue with its annual holiday show. What with the festive music, the seasonal décor at Powell Hall, and the potent Poinsettia Punch served at the bar, I soon started feeling like a right jolly old elf.

Things got off to an exuberant start as SLSO Resident Conductor Gemma New led her forces in a lively and nuanced performance of Leroy Anderson's Christmas Festival, an ingeniously arranged collection of classic carols that I have loved ever since I played the trombone part in my high school orchestra. I dare anyone not to smile at the finale, which combines "Adeste Fideles," "Joy to the World," and "Jingle Bells" in clever counterpoint.

This was my first chance to see Ms. New when she wasn't playing second fiddle to dinosaurs, and I have to say I was very taken with her elegant and fluid style on the podium and her charm as the evening's MC. Not every conductor is comfortable with a wireless body mic, but she seemed right in her element.

Resident Conductor Gemma New

Up next were a couple of traditional carols arranged by Mormon Tabernacle Choir music director Mack Wilberg and performed, as is the case every year, by the Holiday Festival Chorus, composed of singers from area high schools. Ms. New conducted "Ding! Dong! Merrily on High" and then yielded the baton to chorus director Kevin McBeth for "Still, Still, Still." The kids sounded great, as they always do, and thanks to some fairly tasteful amplification they also were easier to hear than has sometimes been the case in the past.

Guest vocalist Doug LaBrecque took the stage next for engaging performances of "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" (combined with "The Christmas Waltz") and "White Christmas." Mr. LaBrecque's theatrical background guaranteed a strong connection with the lyrics, and his strong tenor made his microphone a bit superfluous.

Ms. New brought the focus back to the orchestra with three all too brief selections from The Nutcracker. It was nice to have the "Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy," with an impeccable celesta solo as well as solid counterpoint from Diana Haskell and Tzuying Huang in the clarinet section, but I really wish we could have had the "Waltz of the Flowers" as well.

The Holiday Festival Chorus brought the concert's first half to a rousing conclusion with Mr. Wilberg's "Carol to the King," with its lively "fife and drum" interchanges among the flutes, trumpets, and snare drums.

The pop orientation of the concert continued in the second half, starting with a suite from Alan Silvestri's music for the film Polar Express (arrangement by Jerry Brubaker, Chief Arranger of the US Navy Band for 13 years). That was followed by something I hadn't heard before: the "Christmas Lullaby" by contemporary English composer John Rutter, who seems incapable of writing a Christmas song that isn't irresistible. If you've heard his "Donkey Carol" or Shepherd's Pipe Carol," you know what I mean.

Doug Labrecque

Mr. LaBrecque returned as well to give us smooth takes on a couple of Great American Songbook standards and to take on the narrator role in Randol Alan Bass's cinematic treatment of "The Night Before Christmas," which he did with real theatrical flair. Backed by the chorus, he also turned in a performance of Adolphe Adam's "O Holy Night" that showed off his solid low notes and wide range.

Whit Richert's irrepressible Santa made his usual appearance, bringing out a child from the audience to "conduct" the orchestra in "Sleigh Ride," and the evening concluded with "A Holly Jolly Sing-Along." It was, in short, a program as bright as the blinking lights Roger Kaza and his fellow horn players attached to their instruments and as cozy as a red Christmas sweater (which, of course, I was wearing).

Sponsored by the Mercy Health System, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Holiday Festival continues Sunday at 2 pm, December 17, at Powell Hall in Grand Center. It's a bit less classically oriented this year than it has been in the past, but brimming with good cheer as always.

Seasonal events continue at Powell Hall, with the Bach Society's Christmas Candlelight Concert on December 19, The Music of John Williams (with David Robertson back at the podium) on December 21-23, Dreamworks Animation in ConcertDecember 29 and 30 and, of course, the New Year's Eve Celebration (Mr. Robertson's last one as Music Director) on the 31st. They're now selling standing room tickets for that last one, which will give you some idea of how popular these holiday concerts can be.

Thursday, December 14, 2017

As always, the choices are purely my personal opinion. Take with a grain (or a shaker) of salt.

Share on Google+:

New This Week:

A Christmas Carol

The Fox Theatre presents The Nebraska Theatre Caravan's musical adaptation of A Christmas Carol Thursday and Friday at 7:30 PM, Saturday at 2 and 7:30 PM, and Sunday at 1 and 6 PM, December 14 - 17. "A Christmas Carol features a spirited ensemble of 23 performers who bring Dickens' fable of redemption to life on a magical set created by noted designer James Othuse. A full array of timeless carols such as "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," "Away In a Manger" and "Here We Come A-Wassailing" are interwoven within the classic story of a tight-fisted, middle-class merchant Ebenezer Scrooge and all the beloved characters from Dickens' 1843 novel." The Fox is at 527 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: fabulousfox.com.

My take: "I have always thought of Christmas time," wrote Charles Dickens in A Christmas Carol, "as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow-passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys." These days such a notion is considered politically radical, which makes partaking of the Dickens classic that much more important. Go though and enjoy.

Webster University's Conservatory of Theatre Arts presents Aristophanes's comedy Lysistrata Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through December 17. "How do you end a war that seems never ending? Aristophanes' famous play, Lysistrata, takes on this question as it centers on the lives of the soldiers' wives toward the end of the Peloponnesian War. One woman, Lysistrata, under the impression that a man's libido is ultimately his driving force in life, comes up with an interesting peace solution: to deny their husbands and lovers sexual relations until they can settle on a peace agreement that will end the war. However, Lysistrata's strategy effectively creates even more conflict than before as the sexes begin to feud with each other. Aristophanes' play is both comic, poignant, and revealing as it examines gender relations that somehow still feel relevant thousands of years later." Performances take place at the Stage III Auditorium on the Webster University campus. For more information, www.webster.edu or call 314-968-7128.

My take: While I can be a bit leery of updates of theatrical classics, this one appears to get it right. "What a romping, merry hoot!" writes Steve Callahan at KDHX. "The adaptation by Ellen McLaughlin is some eleven years old but it's wonderfully fresh and is widely produced. Director Jamie McKittrick has put together a marvelous energetic trash-punk world full of music, dance and a whole lot of hilarious talk that I could never repeat on the air." And its anti-war message is sadly still relevant.

Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberly
Photo: Jerry Naunheim, Jr.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberly through December 24. "In this winning and witty sequel to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, the bookish middle child of the Bennet family finally has her day. Constantly overshadowed by her four sisters, Mary Bennet finds hope for a new life beyond her family from an unexpected holiday romance. Austen fans and first-timers alike will find much to love in this alluring comedic tale." Performances take place at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the Webster University campus. For more information: repstl.org.

My take: Looking for a family friendly Christmas theatre treat that isn't based on Charles Dickens or Jean Shepherd? Allow me to recommend most heartily. This ingenious play by Lauren Gunderson (Silent Sky) and Margot Melcon does for Pride and Prejudice what Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead did for Hamlet by taking a minor character and thrusting her into the spotlight so that her story can be told. It's a beautifully done tribute to the values that have been at the heart of this season's celebrations for thousands of years: family, friends, light, and love. Oh, yeah: it's also funny as hell. Don't miss it.

Bob Becherer and Merry Keller

Second Presbyterian Church presents The Secret of Christmas: A Christmas Cabaret with singers Merry Keller and Bob Becherer and pianist Ron Bryant on Sunday, December 17, at 3 pm. "Join Bob, Merry, Ron and friends for a warm, tender and fun Christmas Cabaret. You are certain to hear many of your favorite Christmas songs and will leave with a happy heart, a lighter stride in your step and joy to celebrate the holiday season." Second Presbyterian Church is at 4501 Westminster Place in the Central West Enc. For more information: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3174143.

My take: What could be better at this time of year than seasonal favorites performed by a pair of outstanding local singers? I have known Bob and Merry for some years now from the St. Louis Cabaret Conference and other local venues. You'll be in good hands here, trust me.
Held Over:

Steel Magnolias
Photo: Justin Been

Stray Dog Theatre presents the comedy/drama Steel Magnolias Thursdays through Saturdays through December 16. "All the ladies who are 'anybody' flock to Truvy's beauty salon where she dispenses shampoos and free advice. Filled with hilarious repartee and good ol' Southern charm, the play explores the lives of six remarkable women and the special qualities that make them truly touching, funny, and marvelously amiable company in good times and bad." Performances take place at The Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee. For more information, visit straydogtheatre.org or call 314-865-1995.

My take: A hit on Broadway in 1987 and in cinemas in 1989, Steel Magnolias is a heartfelt tribute to the resiliency of its small town characters and to the importance of friendship in hard times. In his review for Ladue News, Mark Bretz notes that Stray Dog Artistic Director Gary Bell "directs with a sure and steady touch, maintaining the focus on Harling's fun-loving but also tender script."

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

If you can't wait until December 25th to open your presents, take heart; the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra has some musical stocking stuffers for you right now.

December 14: Kevin McBeth leads the IN UNISON® Chorus in A Gospel Christmas -- The originally scheduled soloist, Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist Dianne Reeves, has had to cancel due to unexpected health concerns. Appearing in her place will be St. Louis native Brian Owens, an accomplished singer and recording artist in his own right. The program will include Gospel favorites, popular Christmas tunes, and Yuletide classics like Adolphe Adam's "Oh Holy Night," with tenor Robert Jackson doing the high-flying solo. There's even a soulful version of the "Hallelujah Chorus" from "Handel's Messiah: a Soulful Celebration" by Paul David Wilson. Tenor Curtis McGruder will be the featured soloist for that one.

Celebrating its 21st season with the SLSO, the IN UNISON® Chorus is "an all-volunteer, 120-voice auditioned ensemble that performs a variety of musical styles, with a focus on the interpretation, performance, and preservation of the music of African-American and African cultures." Kevin McBeth, who became director of the chorus in 2011, is Director of Music at Manchester United Methodist Church and serves as full-time administrator for the Music Ministry, which includes 18 choral and handbell ensembles, involving nearly 500 youngsters and adults.

Note that this show always sells well and, in fact, only a limited number of tickets are available as this is being written.

Doug Labrecque

December 15-17: The Mercy Holiday Celebration -- Resident Conductor Gemma New leads the orchestra and Holiday Festival Chorus (consisting of students from local schools and colleges conducted by Kevin McBeth) in a program of traditional carols and seasonal pop songs. The featured soloist is singer and actor Doug Labrecque, whose stage credits include the roles of both the Phantom and Raoul in the Harold Prince production of Phantom of the Opera.

The program this year includes one of my all-time favorite Christmas medleys, Leroy Anderson's A Christmas Festival, along with selections from Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker, a mix of traditional and contemporary holiday songs, a "Holiday Sing-Along," and a suite from Alan Silvestri's score for the film Polar Express. There will also presumably be the annual "surprise" visit from Santa (usually played by the ever-charming Whit Richert). "Pops" events like this are usually big moneymakers for the orchestra and great fun as well. Only a dedicated Scrooge could complain.

The Bach Society at Powell Hall

December 19: The Bach Society Christmas Candlelight Concert -- Soloists Scott Kennebeck , Martha J. Hart and Sari Gruber join the Bach Society Chorus and Orchestra for Handel's Messiah and the usual assortment of traditional holiday carols. What makes this annual program truly special, though, is the candlelight procession that starts the second half.

The lights dim, and the members of the Bach Society walk down the aisles singing, each with an electric candle. If you're lucky enough to be sitting downstairs in the orchestra section, you find yourself surrounded by singers - some carrying the melody, some harmony, enveloping you in a constantly changing kaleidoscope of sound. Charles Ives would have loved it. It's a St. Louis tradition and every music lover should get to experience it at least once.

This isn't an SLSO event, but the SLSO is handling the ticketing and it does take place in Powell Hall, so I figured it's fair game for this article.

December 21-23: The Music of John Williams -- SLSO Music Director David Robertson is a great admirer of the work of famed film composer John Williams, and his concerts of Williams film music have become something of a holiday tradition in recent years.

John Williams receiving the
2009 National Medal of Arts
from President Obama

Mr. Williams, who will turn 86 in February, is probably the best known and most frequently recorded film music composer of the last 100 years. He's certainly one of the most honored, with five Oscars, four Golden Globes, 22 Grammys, seven BAFTA awards, and, for all I know, a partridge in a pear tree. With 49 Oscar nominations, he is the second most-nominated individual in that award's history. His most visible work has been for blockbusters like Jurassic Park, the first Harry Potter film, the Indiana Jones films, and the Star Wars series, but Mr. Williams's involvement with the film music business extends all the way back to his days as a jazz keyboardist and film and TV studio pianist. Remember piano riff for Peter Gunn? That's him.

The program for this year hasn't been released yet, but the SLSO web site promises music from ET, Schindler's List, The Cowboys, Superman and Star Wars. If the concert two years ago was any indication, I'd expect selections from the Harry Potter films as well and if a program this close to Christmas doesn't include the popular "Christmas Memory" song from that Home Alone, I'll eat my mistletoe.

Turandot is one of the most popular and, in many ways, most controversial of Puccini's operas. Left unfinished at the time of the composer's death in 1924, it has never been given a fully satisfactory finale. At the opera's premiere, in fact, legendary conductor Arturo Toscanini stopped the performance after the last note actually composed by Puccini, turned to the audience, and said, "At this point the Master laid down his pen."

These days, the common practice is to move on to a triumphal final scene, assembled from Puccini's sketches by Franco Alfano, in which Turandot declares her love for Prince Calàf and everyone more or less lives happily ever after.

In the program for the Lyric Opera of Chicago's exemplary production of Turandot, which runs through January 27th, 2018, director Rob Kearley talks about the many challenges a stage director faces in dealing with this theatrically compelling but often bizarre work, including the question of that final scene. He finally decided to go with Alfano's finale, despite acknowledging that it "cannot be said to represent the master's vision" and that it "leaves one feeling compromised." Sometimes, I imagine, the weight of history is just too great.

Stefano La Colla and Amber Wagner
Photo: Todd Rosenberg

Which makes a certain amount of sense, as the oppressive presence of the dead hand of history is part of the subtext (intentional or not) of the opera. Based on an old Persian fairy tale as retold by Italian playwright Carlo Gozzi, Giuseppe Adami and Renato Simoni's libretto tells the story of the misandryst Chinese princess Turandot. In revenge for the torture and murder of her ancestress, Turandot forces her many suitors to answer three riddles to win her hand. Failure means death, and as the opera opens the body count is already fairly high, but Turandot seems unwilling (if not unable) to escape her past.

Witnessing the execution of the latest loser, Prince Calàf falls instantly in lust with Turandot despite warnings from his blind father Timur, the slave Liù (in unrequited love with Calàf), and palace functionaries Ping, Pang, and Pong. He answers her riddles, poses one of his own, and finally wins her, generating his own share of death and misery along the way.

That's the Cliff's Notes version, anyway. Wikipedia has a far more detailed synopsis. The bottom line, though, is that Turandot and Calàf are two of the more appalling characters in operatic literature. The former is clearly unhinged; the latter a callow youth determined to possess his lust object regardless of who gets hurt (quite literally, in Liù's case) in the process. Puccini's music redeems them somewhat, but ultimately Turandot's story is a fairly unpleasant business, which is why Alfano's happy ending feels so false.

Zachary Nelson, Rodell Rosel, and Keith Jameson
Photo: Todd Rosenberg

Despite all that, the Lyric Opera production delivers plenty of musical and theatrical excitement. That finale is still creepy, but it's also undeniably thrilling. Such are the contradictions of Art.

The role of Turandot is difficult for many reasons. She doesn't sing a note until the second scene of Act II, at which point she needs to quickly dominate the stage. In the next act, she has to completely change from cold autocrat to swooning lover after a single forced kiss from Calàf. It's a hell of a challenge, but soprano Amber Wagner, whose big, rich voice enhanced Lyric's Tannhäuser two years ago, is more than up to it. When she describes the horror that made her the avenging angel she has become (the aria "In questa reggia" in II, 1), she's riveting, while her sudden defrosting in the next act feels equally real. That's no small accomplishment.

Tenor Stefano La Colla makes Calàf's obsession with Turandot as credible as possible, and does so with a solid-gold voice. He gives the character the irresistible energy that he needs. I do wish he hadn't decided to break character to bow to the audience after "Nessun dorma," though.

Maria Agresta
Photo: Todd Rosenberg

The commedia dell'arte trio of Ping, Pang, and Pong might have been nothing more than comic relief in the hands of lesser composers and librettists, but Puccini and company added a layer of complexity to them in their second-act trio, in which they lament their service to the homicidal Turandot and long for bucolic homes. Baritone Zachary Nelson (Ping) and tenors Rodell Rosel (Pang) and Keith Jameson (Pong) have voices that blend beautifully and bring out the pain that coexists with the trio's sarcastic humor.

Every Puccini opera has a suffering heroine. In the case of Liù that means both romantic yearning and physical torture. Italian soprano Maria Agresta (who will be replaced in January by Janai Brugger) makes an auspicious Lyric debut in this role, turning in a performance of lyrical beauty and passion. Also making his first appearance at Lyric, tenor Josh Lovell cuts an imposing figure as Emperor Altoum and bass Patrick Guetti is nicely menacing as the Mandarin who reads Turandot's decree at the beginning of the opera.

Andrea Silvestrelli shines in the small but important role of the deposed king Timur. I had just seen him the night before as the stern Nourabad in Lyric's Pearl Fishers, and the contrast between them demonstrated his range as an actor.

The chorus and children's chorus carry much of the narrative weight in Turandot, especially in the vast blocks of exposition that constitute the first act. Chorus Master Michael Black can be justifiably proud of their remarkable work here, as they sing with overwhelming power and precision. Bravi, all.

Sir Andrew Davis leads his massive forces, including the offstage brass, in a reading of the score which, while tending to favor slower tempi in many places, nevertheless delivers all the drama one could wish.

Josh Lovell and Amber Wagner
Photo: Todd Rosenberg

I can't complete this review without heaping praise on Allen Charles Klein's opulent and evocative sets and costumes. Originally designed for the Dallas Opera, they create a compellingly surreal atmosphere. Vividly suggesting a semi-mythical China, the set is dominated by a rather deranged-looking dragon and a massive scrying globe. I had a Lord of the Rings flashback when Turandot's massive eye suddenly appears in it in Act I. The elaborate costumes, with their massive, flowing sleeves and striking colors, complete the effect. Masks and makeup inspired by classical Peking opera add to the overall impact.

Mr. Kearley's direction pulls this all together to create a theatrical experience of stunning power. Yes, all of Puccini's unsolvable problems are still there--as, I expect, they inevitably must be--but this all works so well that it ultimately doesn't matter. If you want to understand why this flawed masterpiece continues to appeal to audiences, make your way to Lyric Opera of Chicago before their Turandot orders her last execution on January 27, 2018. You won't regret it.

Enter, Stage Left

Aside from the distinction of being St. Louis’s least-known veteran broadcaster (over three decades and counting), Chuck has been active in theater in St. Louis, Houston, and Terre Haute since the late 1960s. He's been mostly an actor and sound designer, with the occasional foray into directing and (recently) cabaret performance. Chuck has also been writing theater and classical music criticism for nearly as long, and is currently the senior performing arts critic at KDHX-FM, and the producer of the KDHX Arts Calendar. Chuck is a member of the St. Louis Theater Circle and the Music Critics Association of North America, as well as the local correspondent for Cabaret Scenes magazine and a performing arts blogger for OnSTL.com